A BOGUS police officer who defrauded elderly victims out of thousands of pounds was caught in a police sting involving an undercover pensioner.

Ali Awsaf, 20, was snared by an 84-year-old woman who was working with Lancashire Police in a bid to catch the repeat offender, who had already struck several times in Rossendale in a con involving bank accounts.

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Appearing at Burnley Crown Court Awsaf was jailed for two years by Judge Simon Newell.

The court heard on October 7, Awsaf, who was living with his parents in Haslingden at the time and is now based in Harvey Road, Ilford, Essex, visited the home of the woman to collect what he thought was a package containing thousands of pounds.

But instead all he found were a number of plain clothes police officers waiting to arrest him.

Awsaf had already pleaded guilty at Burnley Crown Court to four offences of fraud by false representation and three charges of attempted fraud, involving securing £10,000 and €4,500.

DS Charlie Haynes, from Lancashire Police, said the actions of the brave pensioner ‘turned the tables on this criminal’.

He said: “I would like to take this opportunity to praise the bravery of the victim in this case. She demonstrated an incredible amount of courage in going under cover with the police. I think she has been amazing throughout this investigation.

“The lady was at all times during the operation in company with plain clothed police officers and at no point was she put in any danger. I have spoken to her and she now wishes to put this ordeal behind her, but she has asked me to thank all of the police officers involved on her behalf.

“This was a resource intensive operation and I am glad it has resulted in the conviction and sentence of this individual. We are continuing to investigate other similar offences.”

Anyone with information should call police on 101.